How to Reduce Stress on Your Pipes this Summer

Posted by Gary Gray on Jul 24, 2018

Summertime brings us countless sunny days spent enjoying the
warm weather. As much as our focus is drawn to the outdoors over
the summer months, it's important to pay attention to what's
happening inside as well - specifically with your plumbing. Here's
some insight into what your pipes are going through this season and
how you can keep them in tip-top shape:

More Showers = More Clogs

If you frequently deal with hair and debris build-up in your
shower drains, the summer may amplify those issues even further.
Your family may shower more often in the summer to stay fresh in
the sweltering weather. This leads to more hair down the drain, as
well as sand from the beach, dirt from the garden, and more. If you
see water starting to pool up, address it quickly so the clog
doesn't get worse.

Washers and Dryers Work Overtime

As you spend more time outdoors, your clothes will cycle through
your washer and dryer much more often. Don't neglect your washing
machine's hoses in the summer: a bulge, crack, or leak could cause
the hose to burst and flood your laundry room. In addition, be sure
to thoroughly clean your lint catcher. A dryer fire could spread
quickly in the summer heat.

Summer Foods Affect Garbage Disposals

You may already know not to push "stringy" foods such as celery
and banana peels down your disposal. But, did you know that oils or
greasy foods - items often found at BBQs - can also wreak havoc on
your kitchen pipes? Oily substances stick to the sides of your
pipes and not only cause build-up, but also attract roaches. Avoid
bugs and clogs by not putting greasy and oily foods into your
sink.